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Bronx to Durban Part Two

Help Arnold Chavis pursue his dream, being invited a second time to play rugby in South Africa's Prestigious Sharks Academy Camp.

Hello my name is Arnold Chavis. I am a founding member of the New York Rugby Club u19 team and I am a member of the Penn State rugby team. Currently I have finished playing the spring 15s season for PSU where we finished in elite 8's against the national champions Cal Berkley in the nation, and I am training for the PSU Collegiate Sevens team and hoping to make the squad for the championships in June. I was fortunate enough to attend the Sharks Rugby Academy in Durban, South Africa during the summer of 2008. I want to go back to the camp this summer to improve my game of rugby and to stay off the streets of the Bronx, New York during the summer months. My dreams of playing rugby are great and to some they seem impossible. What's a kid from the projects in the North Bronx doing playing rugby? I have hopes of playing for America in the 2016 Olympics and also of being an All American before finishing college. I plan on going to South Africa from June to August. The cost of the camp is $4,000 and flights are $1,500 so I am raising a total of $5500. I am working and saving money for the trip but I need some help. Any, and all donation will be greatly appreciated and accepted. In return for giving donation I will agree to work any odd jobs that will be needed no matter how big or small the task may seem. I am also going to donate my hair to Locks of Love in return for donations. Rugby has done a lot for me and in any way I can I will give back. Every time I come home on break I will help out with the NYRC u19 program, attend men's practices, and look for the opportunity to work with programs in the city like Play Rugby USA. My plans after I graduate from PSU are to become a Physicians Assistant and give back to the rugby community. I intend to pay it forward! My first time at the Sharks Academy was great. I learned respect, self discipline, and developed a deeper knowledge of the game. Help me get a second chance to better myself and achieve my rugby and personal goals so that I can beat the odds and become a kid from the Bronx who achieves!

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Organization Information

MissionThe New York Rugby Club, Inc. was formed to continue a tradition of high caliber national and international amateur rugby competition that dates back to the year 1929. The NYRC promotes the growth of amateur rugby in New York and the United States.